The Return of Gabriel

by John Armistead, Fran Gregory (Illustrator)

When the summer of 1964 begins, Cooper (who is white) and Jubal (who is black), form a secret society, The Scorpions, and debate whether to invite another boy, Squirrel, to join. When freedom workers come to town to register blacks to vote, the quiet pace of the summer changes dramatically. Cooper must decide how to react when his father makes him attend KKK meetings. Cooper is the only white member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church. His attendance at the KKK klaverns makes him unwelcome in the black community, as does word that he was spotted with a group of Klansmen who burned down houses in the black part of town. Cooper’s uncle Chicago helps guide him through these turbulent times.
As the summer progresses, the pastor at Oak Grove Baptist Church somehow manages to learn in advance of Klan plans. He says the news comes from the Angel Gabriel. When the warnings suddenly cease, Cooper learns the secret of Gabriel’s identity and must decide what role he will play, and on which side.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

John Armistead, an ordained minister, is an award-winning author, artist, and journalist. He holds degrees from Mississippi College, the University of Mississippi, Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary, and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

"I have been writing fiction since high school," said Armistead, "and painting since childhood."

Armistead began formal studio training in Mobile when he was eight years old, working in pastels and oils. He continued art studies through college, and in recent years has participated in master's classes taught by Everett Raymond Kinstler at the Lyme Academy of Fine Art in Old Lyme, Connecticut, the Art Student's League of New York, and the National Academy of Design in New York City. The influence of Kinstler, the country's foremost painter of five U.S. presidents and over 50 cabinet members, is increasingly evident in his work.

Armistead, born in 1941, began publishing short stories and articles during the 1970s, but did not publish his first novel until 1994.

"I have always loved stories," said Armistead. "Like every Southern writer of my generation, I remember sitting on the front porch and hearing my great-aunts and grandmother talk of people and events from long past days. I can also remember beginning to make up my own stories, daydreaming, as it were, when I was in grammar school. That's still the way I make up stories today."

Armistead is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the Authors Guild, the National Association of Independent Artists, the Portrait Society of America, and the Harley Owners Group (HOG).

Armistead is the author of three mystery novels and two novels for teen-agers, and hundreds of his paintings hang in museums and homes throughout the country.

He lives with his family in Tupelo, Mississippi.

"There is a quote from Pliny cherished by both artists and writers, 'Nulla dies sine linea,'" said Armistead. "It means, 'Never a day without a line.' That's my credo too. For me, it applies to both writing and art."

Reviews

[Tucker · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was not that good. but i learned that you can make friend with how every you want.

[Soccerplayah07 · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book.
We read it in school around Black History Month.

[Cody · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on friendship and how two boys one white, one black stay carefull of the kkk and to tell what it was like back then

[Sandra Stiles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. The message to be taught to students is very powerful. It is all about choices and making the right one.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A intense story and takes place in the time of the civil rights.